A Functional Larynx Dissection Utilizing Mandibular Rotation: A Technical Report

In gross anatomy labs, the larynx is usually visualized with either a sagittal hemisection or a posterior disarticulation approach. Both fail to maintain the functional in-situ relationships between the intact larynx and adjacent structures. This makes it challenging for students to understand how suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles, pharyngeal muscles, the tongue, epiglottis, and intrinsic laryngeal muscles are all involved with airway protection and swallowing. We describe a novel approach to cadaveric larynx exposure using a pharyngotomy and mandibular rotation technique, which keeps the laryngeal relationships to the laryngopharynx, oropharynx, tongue, and soft palate intact.